The court of appeals reversed a judgment of the district court and remanded. The court held that a written decision that denied Social Security disability insurance benefits to an applicant who claimed a mental impairment was faulty for its failure to state findings in four functional areas as required by applicable regulations.
Pamela Keyser applied to the Social Security Administration for disability benefits based on combined impairments that included emphysema, depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. A treating psychiatrist found that Keyser had moderate limitations in a variety of areas. An agency psychiatric consultant found mild limitations in Keyser’s daily-living activities, her social functioning, and her ability to maintain concentration, persistence, or pace. The consultant found no limitation from extended episodes of de-compensation.
